Sexting: Know the Facts

By Katie B., Auburn, NY

Image Credit: Shirley Y., Metuchen, NJ

High-tech has created a new low. The term “sexting” is a combination of the words sex and texting, and refers to the practice of sending sexually ­explicit photos electronically, mainly by cell phone. The incidents of sexting have dramatically increased in the past few years; 20 percent of teens said they had sent a sexting message, according to a 2008 study commissioned by the National ­Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and Cosmogirl.com. Though many in our generation are taking part, few understand the serious consequences of this irresponsible fad.

Recent advances in technology have revolutionized the way we interact socially. Cell phones and e-mail have changed the way we communicate but have led to dangerous and ­destructive behavior. While some teens may think sexting is fun or harmless, this new craze can have devastating consequences. When a photo or video is sent to another person, privacy is lost forever. The content can be broadcast to anyone. The original sender has no control once he or she presses “send.”

The consequences of sexting can be ­severe, ranging from embarrassment to ­imprisonment or worse. Explicit photos or videos forwarded from person to person can cause embarrassment for the original sender. Many teens don’t realize that once they hit “send,” control of who else sees that compromising photo is now completely up to the recipient. You may think you know your friend, boyfriend, or girlfriend, but can you trust them forever?

Many young people who thought sexting was a harmless game ended up having their lives destroyed. In one tragic incident, Jesse Logan, an 18-year-old from Ohio, was mercilessly humiliated after explicit photos she had sexted to a boyfriend ended up circulating among her peers. She eventually killed herself.

Imagine being convicted of the crime of child pornography and serving five year’s probation. You are rejected by colleges, lose your friends, and have to move because your home is too close to a school. You’re unable to get a job, and you have to register as a sex ­offender until you are 43. That’s exactly what happened to Phillip Alpert, a Florida 18-year-old. He ruined his life by circulating nude pictures of his girlfriend (which she had sent him), by texting them to his friends, her friends, and her family. The legal problem: she was only 16 and a minor; distributing explicit photos of a minor constitutes child pornography. The real problem: like many teenagers, he did not understand the long-term consequences of his actions.

Sexting may seem like harmless fun, but teens should think twice before hitting the “send” button. There is no turning back once a message is sent.

Join the Discussion

I completely agree with this. Even if you can trust the receiver of sext message, do you really want to be the sort of person who has to reveal themselves in order to feel beautiful? It's really just needy and pathetic.

I respect your opinion, but after surfing through the comments on this page, i have found you in quite a few of them, arguing with people that feel its okay. Calling others immoral. And then claiming you are right. Listen, you might be right FOR YOU, but if someone else thinks there is nothing wrong with it, and has no problem with sharing something as personal as their body that way, maybe you shouldnt get in their business. We are free to do as we please, and if they arent ... (more »)

Yes; I STRONGLY believe that sexting is wrong - not only immoral but against my religion - but in the end people have to make these choices for themselves. I'm sorry to appear harsh; the choice to sext is yours.

I agree that I think Sexting is wrong. But I alsi think that we really need to respect other's opinions. Who know's, maybe they're right. We can argue for our opinion. But in the end it's up to each person to decide what they beleive.

Dont even get me started on this article. "sexting"? What the heck is that? I think that sexting is a waste of time. You never know who can see those photos you send to others. They can show their friends or post your photos on the internet. Sexting is the most stupidest thing that has ever been invented.

The author writes "Many teens don’t realize that once they hit “send,” control of who else sees that compromising photo is now completely up to the recipient. You may think you know your friend, boyfriend, or girlfriend, but can you trust them forever?" I absolutely agree with this, you can NEVER trust anyone! By sending a risky "sext message" like this you are putting yourself at a high risk of embarrassment towards yourself.